Five New Zealand celebrities will be part of a TV campaign promoting the country’s public libraries. Writer Oscar Kightley, fashion designer Trelise Cooper, singer Brooke Fraser, chef Peta Mathias, and cricket player Daniel Vettori will appear in individual TV spots to help inform people that their libraries are updated, inspiring, and fun.

Peta Mathias, Daniel Vettori and Brooke Fraser, who travel the world extensively in their work, say that libraries have had a major influence on their love of reading and have been a source of inspiration in their chosen careers.

Metronet, the group representing the 19 largest metropolitan libraries in New Zealand, is funding the campaign. Allison Dobbie, group manager at Auckland City Libraries, says: “Our aims in funding a nationwide TV campaign are to show that public libraries are now modern, relevant places that provide inspiration and can make a difference in people’s lives.”